### Neko Sushi Rolls
**Ingredients**:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets of nori (seaweed)
- 200 grams fresh salmon or tuna (sashimi-grade), thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 package imitation crab sticks
- Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for serving
- Black sesame seeds for decoration
- Small pieces of nori for facial features
- Sushi rolling mat (bamboo mat)
- Plastic wrap
**Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Sushi Rice**:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker or saucepan. Cook according to the rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Pour this mixture over the cooked rice and gently fold to combine. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
2. **Prepare the Fillings**:
- Julienne the cucumber and carrot.
- Slice the avocado.
- Cut the imitation crab sticks into thin strips.
3. **Assemble the Rolls**:
- Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat covered with plastic wrap, shiny side down.
- Wet your hands to prevent the rice from sticking, and spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top edge.
- Arrange the cucumber, carrot, avocado, and crab sticks in a line across the center of the rice.
- Carefully roll the sushi using the bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure to keep the roll tight and even. Seal the edge of the nori with a bit of water.
4. **Shape and Decorate the Cat Faces**:
- Use a small amount of sushi rice to shape the head, body, and paws of the cat. Form small rice balls for the head and paws.
- Place thin slices of salmon or tuna over the rice to resemble the cat’s fur.
- Use small pieces of nori to create eyes, nose, mouth, and whiskers. Black sesame seeds can be used for additional facial details.
5. **Add the Ears and Other Features**:
- Cut small triangles of nori or cucumber to create the cat ears.
- Place the ears on top of the head rice ball.
- Position the head, body, and paws together to complete the cat shape.
6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
- Arrange the Neko Sushi Rolls on a serving plate.
- Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.
Enjoy your cute and delicious Neko Sushi Rolls!